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I've been drawing and running hither and yon. I have a LOT to show you, but whilst ("whilst" IS a word) I take photos and try to stop scribbling long enough to actually complete a post, look at THIS delighful snippet from Maria Kalman, heroine to sletchers of all stripes.

As I mentioned in the last post, Carol from the wonderful Blog TALL TALES FROM KANSAS is my Brave, Bold, Brazen and Brash companion in a project that we're calling The Vogue Papers. We're thrashing our way through the Vogue September issue, which is a monster. I always struggle with the human form, so you'll see me deleting, altering and dodging anything with flesh. We're going live with this to basically keep each other amused. Enjoy or avert your eyes, either option is totally okay!

Vogue sketch #1....see? easy. I try to go FAST so that there's no turning back:

Vogue sketch #2....no faces. Good:

Vogue sketch #3...I did this one at 90mph. A new record. That coat had better be fake fur. If it is, I want it. If it isn't?....I'm torching this page:

Vogue sketch #4....my favorite. I just deleted most of Kate Moss. Bye Kate:

Here's one more below that is NOT from this series. I just slowed way down to see how much I could bugger up something graphic, like AN AD (shudder). It's a bit shakey, but I soldier on. Please ask me anything regarding materials in the comment section below. Happy to respond to every inquiry. Be sure to visit Carols Blog as well. She's a fab Treasure Seeker and info share-er.

Not long ago, I found myself on the road to Kansas City. Suffice to say, it wasn't a pleasure trip, but a mission. The high point (besides hugging family) was a visit with my friend Carol. You know Carol, right? she steers the Awesome Blog: Tale Tales from Kansas. You may know her sister, the wildly popular Sketch Queen, Mary Ann Moss of Dispatch from L.A. ...why am I dropping these names? to lay down the frame work for the happiness I experienced having the opportunity to hang out with Carol. We intended to sketch, but our mouths got in the way. Okay....MY MOUTH got in the way. Could NOT stop talking. As we realized that our time was running out (due to my river-mouth) we took pictures with the intention of co-drawing each other. This freaked me out because I can't really draw people. ANYway, I ran across an article about Emily Sundblad in the NY Times T magazine, Brought it with me, and we decided to copy a painting she did...line for line....OF EACH OTHER. Smart, eh?

Here's my quick painting of Carol (not the Emily copy...yet) who has a giant smile and perfect teeth. She also has THOSE cheekbones. She's lovely. Like I said: I can't really draw people:

I did this with a brush. none of the usual, careful sketched pencil lines....just slapping paint leftovers from my wax paper palette. Yup, that's how I roll. Carol?....forgive me Darling.

On to my version of Carol a la Emily Sundblad's painting style....Emily? forgive me Darling:

I love the way the canvas has a "voice". Just add random vocal snippettes. That's right, her original canvas included the painted-out face, thus allowing me a face-cop-out.

Now to get even Braver, we bought the September VOGUE with it's 800+ pages and now we're diving in and entertaining each other with our own versions of the images in THERE. Great practice for the skillful or, in my case, training wheels sketcher:

ya see? it's all about jumping in the pool. I'm so lucky to have talented friends to stagger after.

Well, Happy Late Summer! I'm a cold weather person, so I really have to clamp my hand over my mouth when everyone starts to moan about the absense of billion degree temps, the fried grass and burning asphalt going the way of the migrating Canadian Geese. SEE YA! ...yeah, Bye Bye. Don't rush back on MY account. Okay, we're not there yet, so I'll just sit in front of my keyboard and tell you which videos to watch. Which music to buy. You can count on me to keep you somewhat caught up. Not TOTALLY caught up. That's too much pressure. Oh, and please, leave a comment with YOUR additions if you feel like it. If not, that's fine too. We're all just relaxing over here......

First movie rec? THIS ONE. I LOVED it. you will too: DREW; THE MAN BEHIND THE POSTER.

I know, I thought the same thing...."who cares?"....but I have to say that I was pretty drawn in by the story and the well chosen participants - bird geeks, yes, but also award winning novelists and overall intersting people. I already loved Central Park, but now I wish that I could go back with a really good camera lens. Would I document every bird that I observed in an immaculate, numeric way? hahahahaha: NO, BUT I might enjoy knowing what the Hell I'm seeing, and then sketching it later.

NEXT?...oh, I LOVE this guy. You will too. Check out A TOUCH OF GREATNESS

I'm just gonna copy the description and tell you that this teacher should have written the HandBook on HOW TO MAKE SCHOOL FUN FOR EVERYONE. You'll walk away from this one with faith in humanity and the need to change what the majority of schools (not ALL) are doing NOW. Here, look:

When he became a teacher in the 1940s, Albert Cullum realized something was lacking in his classes and decided to stray from the by-the-book, discipline-heavy style favored by his colleagues, instead using poetry and drama to put life and emotion into his teaching. This documentary from Leslie Sullivan (produced by Catherine Gund) depicts a man who challenged traditional teaching methods and proved that creativity has a place in every classroom.

Taking notes?...Good.

...and NOW....we have a close look at photographer Sally Mann. I remember when Sally took those nude photos of her kids back in the 90's and people went nuts. Some people loved them, some people barked about child porn (which is clearly NOT what she was up to). The movie isn't about THAT, but have a look at a truly artful life. She's in her early 60's now, kids grown, and like all artists, going full tilt towards new technique and glory. Yes indeed Sally. You're the S**t.

Had enough? Too bad. We're on to Music now. I recommend these 2 discs (or downloads) for pretty much anything. Road trips, while you're hanging in your castle or hovel or cubicle. Play these in your studio, workshop or in the background at a party. Slap in the earbuds at an airport and say "Adios" to the din. I swear, when I was shooting through the last hundred decades of my life, we'd have a favorite radio station or two. They'd play stuff, we'd go "YES!" or "Ew" and know that we were being exposed to everything. Now it's trickier, like having 600 cable channels so you miss the good stuff because YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT WAS ON!.....this is why I count on you readers and my friends to command me to hear, see and read stuff. That's why YOU'RE Here. So:

Remember the movie soundtrack from GARDEN STATE? OMG, if you don't, go buy it now. well, Zac Braff (I have no idea if that's his name) is back with another movie and another well chosen compilation for WISH I WAS HERE. Have you seen the movie yet? I haven't. Wait, I don't think it's out yet. I grabbed the disc on impulse and it's great.

Last, but marvelous is a piece from Kishi Bashi. He does music for commercials and TV. No, don't scrunch up your nose like that. You can test drive it on Amazon!...okay, there's ONE song that's kinda spoken poetry that I Express-Pass-FORWARD through. It's stupid. The rest is SO good. It's called LIGHGHT (not a typo).

Okay Readers. So there ya go. 4 movies and 2 pieces of music. Remember to leave your bright ideas in the comments or just go there to read other peoples good stuff. I'll be back with something totally different. Happy Late Summer!

I adore David Gentleman. He's a designer of the highest caliber. He's designed for centuries and anyone who studies the Graphic Arts will know him. If not, they've gone to a very bad school - just kidding, but seriously, he's an institution. If I had known about him when I was in London, I just MIGHT have followed him to a tea shop and bought him a scone. And stared. I love this book and I've opened it so many times that it's a rag. Exactly the way we want our well loved books. I just noticed that the price is going up FAST, so maybe it's been discontinued, but no, that would be FOLLY. It's also on Kindle for a reasonable price. Go get it.

My intention is to post a few sketches soon so that you can once again see the power of not having a clue about what other people think: ("Good Lord, if she can post THAT, I can do anything"). I also have new movies to recommend. Stand By.

Oh, you're gonna thank me for THIS. In case you didn't know, PBS has launched "Vicious". It's a half hour of fast moving Farce. Micah and I couldn't hear the next lines due to the ear-splitting, Hoffman Guffawing. Inthe UK, it's called"Vicious Old Queens". Need I say more? have a look and if you NEED to see it (you really DO), PBS can be snatched from various webby sources. Caution: the occasional bad word will fly out of Freddy's mouth.....okay, frequent bad word.

Next up? a switching of gears as I swerve off the road and yell at you:HEY, NEW BOOKS!

Remember my last post re Maira Kalman? That's right, the one where I told you to go see a show that happened last December?.....well, my source THIS TIME is Amazon, so if this is a lie, call Jeff Beezos and tell HIM about it. Look:

Here's the best thing about this NEW book (coming in October): it's NEW work! I don't usually lift copy directly from other sources, but today?...I will:

"From Maira Kalman, the author of the bestsellers The Principles of Uncertainty and The Elements of Style, comes this beautiful pictorial and narrative exploration of the significance of objects in our lives, drawn from her personal artifacts, recollections, and selections from the collection of the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

With more than fifty original paintings and featuring bestselling author and illustrator Maira Kalman’s signature handwritten prose, My Favorite Things is a poignant and witty meditation on the importance of both quotidian and unusual objects in our culture and private worlds."\

I know....cool, right?.....more inspiration from Maira's brush. I can't wait.

Okay....here's another. As we all know, a beautiful "Childrens Book" is code for "Super-Cool Adult" book, so, just go over and hit your Wish List or pre-order. I don't get paid in cash or books for any products endorsed on this Blog (damn it) just so you know.

Oh my God, you guys...you will NOT believe this. For all of my fellow Maira Kalman fans...heads UP. Those of you unfamiliar......Maira Kalman is a painter, writer, TED Talk speaker and artist in SO many ways. She's become a Cultural Icon and NOT of the Kardashian variety. Most, if not all of my close arty pals have been inspired by her work and her incredibly grounded World View. She's like your Mom, your sister and BFF rolled into one. Go read about her HERE if you're unfamiliar. Imagine my gasping, hyperventillating reaction when I found out that she's been cast in PETER AND THE WOLF in NYC. Guess who's doing the visual work? Isaac Mizrahi!.....oh for Gods sake, just watch this delightful clip and see if you don't want to go. I think that we should cook up a field trip and ALL go. Pardon me while I take a few deep breaths and try to calm down....just watch....

Edit.....so I went to book my tickets and guess what?......performances December 13, 2013!!!!!.....so even though this little film JUST popped up on my Google alerts, it's old news. Sorry guys. I'm still loving Maira as a Duck. Next time I'll check my sources.......*wink*

I'm thinking that it's about time for a Summer Catch-Up!.....let's waste no time and get going, shall we? I know that I'll forget a million things, so I'll be back this weekend to update. If you've visited my Blog before, you know that I like to treat you the way I'd treat a guest in my home, with the exception of offering you chocolate. I'll show you things that I've been up to, things that I love and that have stolen my attention, then it's YOUR turn. Feel free to leave YOUR passions in the comments below. Click that little "Comment" button and let 'er rip.

First?......here's the music that I have in constant rotation. It's in my car, studio, you name it. The first song's a little "club music-y" but go on past. The lyrics are beautiful, some are fun and you'll be amazed at Sams vocal range. Go get it.

okay, good. Now how about books? yeah, we LOVE books. Here are a few that anyone visual might appreciate:

Heads up sketchers......MEANWHILE IN SAN FRANCISCO is serious fun and inspiring, as is.....

The last one's a big fat book chock-full of visual joy. It's kind of journal style and you get to meet a new cast of stunningly creative characters from ALL OVER THE PLACE. We love new friends.

Okay, now here's a real NERD ALERT. The next book popped directly from a fanTAStic documentary -you KNOW how I love the docs. The book was written for sign painters and it's all technical, NO PRETTY PICTURES, so it's for our left brainers who LOVE a good, informational, droning read. It's considered the Bible of sign painters so those of you working in your skectbooks and visual journals who give a darn about the rules of layout...this one's for YOU. I love it when I can stay awake long enough to read a few pages....zzzzzzz

Now here's the awesome movie. Rent it. Just DO IT. Oh, and there's a teensy bit of profanity in the trailer (you know how we artists GET) so know that in advance....but watch it anyway.

here's the link if you need MORE info, cause I know you're the Curious Type......

okay, now here's the trailer:

Cool. Now guess what ELSE I've been doing? two amazing online classes. Go here to check out my friend Mary Ann Moss and her latest class SKETCHBOOKERY which is life changing. Good. Now go here to visit Danny Gregory and his merry band of international teachers at SketchBook Skool. I cannot recommend these classes highy enough. I'd be happy to give you a more personal recommendation if you need one. By the way, online classes are the best gifts EVER for anyone wishing to make the creative in their life fall to their kness with gratitude. I'll post trailers for THOSE classes and tell you class tales later. I don't want to OVERWHELM you now.

Here's evidence on my studio table. MOST people clean up before a photoshoot. Me?.....I just grab my camera and SHOOT! As you can see, I have a very good quality watercolor set and a couple that you bought your 5 year old the other day.

Sooooo. Let me just say this: I don't drink. Not really. I sip. Booze makes my post-west-nile heart go all wonky, so....no. BUT!....I DO hang out with very cool people. I DO make a point of trying to show up when there's a Gathering of Creatives. If that term gives you hives, just think "anyone with a passion for anything". There. Better? Thought so. Here's the scoop:

The American Institute of Graphic Artists (Denver) decided to test the waters in Northern Colorado and guess what they found? Amazing, motivated people who are more than willing to GET OUT THERE and mingle, socialize, play. Get to know each other and possible do cool stuff. Do you have to be a designer? HELL no. Just show up, but NOT UNLESS YOU REGISTER. Not Kidding. If you just "drop by" without registering (link below), you will be beaten and tossed into the street, cause that's how we roll. Okay, that's how I roll. There are only SO Many spaces at the table people.....Read all of the stuff below and join us. You now have NO excuse for feeling like you're a wandering nomad longing for your Tribe. The "Drink & Draw" events are for everyone. The BUZZ would be for those of you who actually make art your living wage. All 3 of you.

What if you can't draw? WHO CARES??!!!!....there will be people who draw like Angels, there will be people who draw kindergarten stick figures. Drawing? SO not the point.

The official, Serious Stuff from the AIGA.....

AIGA CO is breaking new ground in 2014 by offering two of our more popular events (Buzz and Drink&Draw) in four Northern Colorado communities: Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Longmont. These events will be held at a variety of locations during March, April, and May.

Getting down to Denver can be painful and we feel your pain, so we are bringing AIGA CO up to your home turf. Check the dates and get ready to mix and mingle, expand your professional connectivity, and strengthen your local creative communities. Everyone is invited to attend any event, so bring your friends!

Sasha Pivovarova's face may look familiar. To those of us who cruise the pages of High Fashion for inspiration, she's a familiar sight indeed. A Russian beauty, Sasha not only models, but churns out stunning art on a daily basis. I remember yanking out her profile from the pages of the New York Times Style magazine a few years ago. I just spotted her in the February VOGUE. The photo shoot was in New Mexico this time. One of her lovely sketchbooks resting in her lap. This girl has talent dripping from her perfect fingertips. We'll be seeing more of her art, mark my words. Enjoy the interview below, then read on for a Creative Public Servive Teaser. Cheers Dear Readers!

Okay, NOW HEAR THIS:

if you happen to be a Northern Colorado Creative (ANY form of creative) read on. If not, you may want to read on anyway.

My next post will announce a series of upcoming events that will serve to connect and delight everyone who has ever thought: "Jeez, I need to hang out more with people from my own creative tribe"...yes friends, we're talking fun, sparking (fizzing ideas that is...) and FINALLY a way to link up with people who yell: "...oh THERE you are!....we've been waiting for you!!!!"

stay tuned while I wait for Matt to draw me an awesome image to accompany the announcement. In the meantime, you might clear your calendar for next Tuesday (Fort Collins) and Wednesday (Loveland). That-is-all....for now.